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Swelling may feel small, but it can be your body waving a flag. Let’s give it a listen — your kidneys may be trying to tell you something!
Swelling happens when fluid accumulates in your tissues. Under normal conditions, your kidneys serve as a filtration system for your body, regulating fluid, salts and waste
Swollen legs, feet, or ankles — known as pedal edema in the medical world — is something most of us know after a long day on our feet or when we wear shoes/socks that are too tight that so many people do not pay attention to. However, when this swelling lingers or keeps returning, it may be more than fatigue or diet. “As a doctor who specializes in kidney health, I frequently see patients before they realize that the bloated feet they complain of can be a sign of a kidney issue,” says Dr. Hardik Patel, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospital, Goa. Let’s break it down together—why it happens, what it might mean, and how to determine if your kidneys are involved.
Why Do Feet Swell?
Swelling happens when fluid accumulates in your tissues. Under normal conditions, your kidneys serve as a filtration system for your body, regulating fluid, salts and waste. When they are not functioning, as they should, fluid can pool, and gravity tends to draw extra fluid to the lower legs and feet. However, kidneys are not the only suspects — heart issues, liver problems, or even vein troubles may cause edema as well. So how do we know what is driving it?
Could It Be Your Kidneys?
Swelling related to kidney issues usually has some hints. If you have foamy urine (a sign that protein is leaking out) or find yourself with swelling not only in your feet but also around your eyes or hands, your kidneys may be in trouble. Other signs include fatigue, decreased urine output or high blood pressure. Unlike swelling from, say, a sprained ankle or standing too long, kidney-related edema tends to be soft, pitting (leaves an indentation when pushed) and symmetrical in both legs.
How We Investigate: Sorting It Out
To diagnose the cause, we begin with your story — when it started, what makes it worse and if you have any other symptoms. Then, we dig deeper. A 24-hour urine protein collection can determine whether your kidneys are losing too much protein — sometimes a problem in conditions like nephrotic syndrome. Blood tests assess kidney function, and an ultrasound of your kidneys searches for structural issues. In trickier cases, a renal biopsy — removing a tiny piece of kidney tissue — may also be necessary. Genetic studies, for some, particularly younger patients or those with a family history, can reveal rare kidney disorders.
Practical Steps You Can Take
If your feet are swelling, don’t freak out — begin with the basics. Prop up your legs, reduce sodium, and record how often it occurs. But if it’s persistent or accompanied by other signs, consult a doctor soon. Taking action early can have a major impact, especially when it comes to your kidneys needing support.
Swelling may feel small, but it can be your body waving a flag. Let’s give it a listen — your kidneys may be trying to tell you something!
